Celebrate... Navaratri

Celebrate What is the significance of Navaratri? Navratri (‘nine nights’) is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu Dharma. It occurs twice a year, once at the beginning of summer and then again at the onset of winter. The most celebrated of these is that of Sharad Navaratri, or the great Navaratri, which is celebrated at the beginning of winter. The reason this festival is celebrated twice a year is because both summer and winter are very important junctures of climate change and solar influence. It is believed that it is the divine power that provides energy for the earth to move around the sun and must be thanked for maintaining the correct balance of the universe. Hindus worship this divine power to give them strength to maintain their physical and mental balance. Sharad Navratri starts on 29 September in 2019 and will continue for nine days until 08 October. Many Navaratri legends are attached to the conception of Navratri related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. What happens at Navaratri? Hinduism The festival is divided into three sets of three days to worship different aspects of the supreme goddess. The three goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati all signify powerful aspects of life. Through worshiping for nine nights Hindus will live an all rounded successful 29 September 2019 life and receive the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother. The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to goddess Durga. It is during these days her incarnations – Kumari, Parvati and Kali are worshipped. They represent womanhood in three different stages: the child, the young girl and a mature woman. The following three days are then devoted to goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) and finally the last three days are dedicated to goddess Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge). The festival holds a special significance for all Hindus, they indulge in various activities, including Dandiya and Garba rass where children and adults dress up in colourful traditional clothing and eat sweetmeats. Many larger communities get together and dance whilst enjoying their nightly feasts. ei 2018 © en Celebrate For women, it is an auspicious time to buy gold, more considerate approach to understand any jewellery, new clothing, and new pots. Another part of adjustment that may be necessary to their working puja (praying) may involve designing puja-thalis (trays) hours or any further support. or aartis which are decorated plates in honour of the mother goddess, Amba (ambika). It would be helpful to increase awareness among employees and managers. This would reduce the risks People take a bath every morning and evening. Some of any confusion or misunderstandings. Ways to do devotees only consume food after bathing. Some this might include one to one talks, team meetings, devotees choose to only eat one meal a day. Some posters in the staff room or office to invite any only observe and fast during three of the nine days. questions and further support on the festival. There are also Hindus that choose to celebrate by visiting temples on all nine days and reading holy texts: There are no strict rules for fasting in the Hindu Devi Mahatmya or further holy literature. religion and usually devotees decide how they fast during this period. Flexibility in work may become There are various ways in which people choose to fast necessary and a decrease in working hours may be during this festival. Many people fast in the following considered but not essential. Further adjustments ways; might be: Nirahar – People fast and do not drink water. Arranging meetings with employees to accommodate flexible working patterns during Partial fasting – People may choose to drink water tea this period. and coffee but abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol and those dishes that include salt or any kind Discuss and adapt to the employees’ physical of spice. needs, changing duties and tasks to make the shift more comfortable if necessary. The celebration ends on the tenth day called Dasera Where possible making allowances for those symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Dussera is a observing Navratri and allow for employees to representation of the ten heads of Ravan, and each day is used by Hindus to get rid of bad characteristics, such take their break at a more convenient time as lust and jealousy. The tenth day is known as the day during the day. of Victory. Some Hindus may wish to take their holiday during this The festival has moved on to be more of a social festival. The holidays may be requested for two weeks festival rather than a merely religious one, however to cover the nine days. Unpaid leave or other spiritually devotees continue to follow their Goddess adjustments can be made accordingly. Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri year after year. What should employers do at Navaratri? Employers may need to be more considerate regarding a few practicalities such as noting the dates the fast begins and ends and who within the working team is fasting. There are approximately 0.6 million Hindus in the UK. This is 1.0% of the UK population. Britain’s third largest religion, Hindu Dharma, has most of its followers living in suburban London, Leicester and Oadby & Wigston. It is recommended that employers familiarise themselves with the dates that Navratri will take place in order to understand employee obligations and use a ei 2018 © en.

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